Ahead of PTI protest...: Lahore-Islamabad GT Road, motorway closed at key points Authorities have issued an advisory urging the public to avoid using GT Road and to take alternative routes LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: All sections of motorways and the GT Road at key points have been closed in Punjab in the wake of the PTI protest, scheduled for Nov 24. All key sections of GT Road including Muridke to Jhelum and Chenab River Bridge in Gujrat, have completely been blocked by placing containers on both sides. Barriers have also been set up at critical points such as Sadhoke Check-post, Nandipur Check-post, Jhelum, Kamoke, Shahdara, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Sheikhupura, causing massive traffic jams, and leaving commuters stranded for hours. The authorities have issued an advisory urging the public to avoid using GT Road and to take alternative routes. Travellers heading to major cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, and Islamabad are advised to stay updated on the situation. Heavy police deployments, especially around the Chenab River bridges, exhibit seriousness of the situation. Officials have not yet confirmed when normal traffic flow would resume, as the protests continue to disrupt movement and daily life in the affected areas. Commuters have been advised to exercise caution, prioritise safety, and remain informed about further developments. A notification about motorway closure, “Motorway closed for 2 days at 6 different locations due to repair work. According to Motorway Police officials, the motorway will remain closed on November 23 and 24 due to ‘repair work’. Motorway M1 from Islamabad to Peshawar, Motorway M2 from Lahore to Islamabad will be closed, Motorway M3 from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem, Motorway M4 from Pindi Bhatian to Multan will be closed. The Lahore-Sialkot Motorway M-11 was also closed for all types of traffic, the Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway M-14 was closed from Hakla to York. In Gujrat and Lalamusa, all key highways and roads have been blocked with containers in anticipation of the PTI’s power show on Nov 24. Additional blockades have been reported at Charryawala Checkpost, where trucks have been strategically placed to disrupt vehicular movement. In addition to the traffic gridlock, reports have surfaced about arrest of PTI workers from Sheikhpur, a village within the jurisdiction of the Kakrali Police Station. PTI MPA Chaudhry Shahid Raza of Kotla claimed the measures were aimed at silencing dissent and discouraging participation in the protest. The University of Gujrat announced an early departure of buses at 1:30pm instead of the usual 4:45pm, citing roadblocks and safety concerns. Separately, The Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province, banning all public gatherings, protests, rallies, processions, and sit-ins for three days, from Nov 23 to 25. A notification, issued by the Punjab Home Department on Friday, confirmed the enforcement, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order. The move follows recommendations made during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee for Law and Order. A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department explained that the decision aims to ensure peace, protect human lives, and safeguard property. The notification warned that public processions could become soft targets for terrorists or be exploited by miscreants for anti-state activities. The government has urged citizens to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies during this period to maintain stability and prevent any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the Islamabad High Court (IHC) said in an order on Thursday that no rallies, processions, or sit-ins should be permitted in the federal capital. He said the government would ensure 100pc compliance with the court orders. He added that if any loss of life occurs, the PTI would be held responsible. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, he mentioned that a meeting with the prime minister was scheduled on Friday to discuss forming a committee for negotiations with the PTI, and action would be taken based on the Prime Minister’s instructions. However, he warned that any attempt by PTI to stage a sit-in would result in complications. He warned that those staging any attack on the Capital would have to face serious consequences. Responding to a question about receiving any message from Adiala jail, he clarified, “I have no contact with Adiala Jail.” When asked by a journalist why the PTI was allowed to protest during their government, but not now, the minister replied, “Who said we haven’t granted permission? We have received a request, and it is in process. If you claim we have refused permission, please clarify where we have done so.” Regarding potential protests and loss of life, Naqvi said that responsibility would fall on those who disobey the court orders and violate regulations. “Those who breach the law or forcefully try to create chaos will be held accountable,” he asserted. On the issue of road closures, he commented, “If roads shouldn’t be closed, then tell us what to do? I agree that roads, businesses, internet, and mobile phone services should not be disrupted, but what is the alternative?” About the Parachinar incident, he called it a tragic event, stressing that law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was a responsibility of the KP government. He said, “Everyone knows the KP government is preparing to storm us. Yesterday, they requested 15 FC platoons, which we allocated to them by halting deployments elsewhere. It is our duty to assist, but the responsibility lies with them.” He urged the KP government to clarify whether their priority was eliminating terrorism in the province or preparing to attack Islamabad. “Post-18th Amendment, maintaining law and order is not our responsibility, but we still fulfil their demands. While funerals are being held on one side, what’s happening on the other?” he questioned. He reiterated that anyone violating Section 144 in Islamabad would face action. About Bushra Bibi’s statement, he said relations with the US and Saudi Arabia had been politicised by the PTI. “You brought these countries into your politics, disregarded the SCO conference, and ignored the arrival of the Russian president. People will judge for themselves. There were celebrations during Trump’s visit, but earlier, it was called a US conspiracy. After so many U-turns, the public should think.” Naqvi said there were appropriate forums for raising concerns. “Use those platforms for protests. Why are you destroying the country? If the PTI plans to storm the capital, negotiations won’t happen. If they want dialogue, it must be done legitimately. It won’t work where on one side you protest and on the other, you ask for talks,” he warned. Separately, official statistics revealed that the government spent Rs2.7 billion on dealing with the PTI sit-ins and protests during the last 18 months. According to a report, the cost of sit-ins and protests of the last six months was estimated at about Rs1.2 billion, while government and non-government properties worth Rs1.5 billion were damaged. The official statistics show that the PTI held 120 small and large protests in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, in which four security personnel were martyred and more than 220 personnel injured. Also, Rs800 million were paid to the owners of 3,000 containers on rent as Rawalpindi, Attock, Lahore, Islamabad were the focus of protests and more than 30,000 security personnel were deployed on the protests. In the data, it is said that 370 cameras of Safe City worth Rs280 million were damaged in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, 220 small and large police vehicles were damaged, more than Rs900 million were spent on the transport of security personnel. About one-and-a-half billion were spent on police food and transport. According to the official statistics, 12,000 Islamabad, 16,000 Punjab police officers were charged with co-duties, and Rs300 million were spent on FC, Rangers and Army personnel. Official sources said Nov-24 protest might cost the country more than Rs300 million as 34,000 security personnel have been deployed and more than 2,000 containers have been brought to Rawalpindi, Islamabad to stop Sunday’s protest.Saturday, December 14, 2024 flydubai, the Dubai-based airline known for its bold approach to aviation, has earned two prestigious awards at the 2024 Aviation Innovation Awards, recognising its forward-thinking contributions to the industry. The airline was honoured for its “Exceptional Products and Services Innovation” in the Airline Industry category, while its cargo division received acclaim for its “Innovative Collaborations and Partnerships” in the Air Cargo and Logistics category. The Aviation Innovation Awards, a highlight of the 2024 Aviation Annual Gala Evening, celebrate the best of the best in aviation—from game-changing technologies and sustainable practices to exceptional operational strategies and forward-looking product development. These awards reflect the vision and passion of organisations that are shaping the future of air travel. flydubai’s double recognition is a testament to its commitment to constantly evolving and improving both the passenger experience and its cargo services. By embracing innovation and building strategic partnerships, the airline continues to set new standards for service, efficiency, and collaboration in the aviation world. This latest achievement is just another step in flydubai’s mission to lead the way into the future of air travel. Commenting on the awards, Francois Oberholzer, Chief Financial Officer at flydubai, said: “over the years, flydubai has seen tremendous growth due to its longstanding commitment to innovation and investment in product development to enhance passenger experience. We have always looked for opportunities to provide our customers with a smooth and personalised travel experience, both on the ground and in the air, and with the introduction of the new Business Class check-in area at Terminal 2, we are pleased to have been recognised for this achievement and look forward to seeing what we do next.” In October 2024, flydubai took a major step in enhancing the travel experience for its Business Class passengers by launching a dedicated check-in area at Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB). The new space offers a smoother, more personalised start to their journey, featuring exclusive Meet and Assist and Fast Track services that make check-in quick and hassle-free. Adding to the excitement, earlier this year, flydubai received a Four-Star Major Airline rating from APEX for the second consecutive year, a reflection of the airline’s ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding service and memorable experiences for its passengers. It’s clear that flydubai’s focus on customer care and comfort continues to set it apart in the competitive aviation industry. Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services & Cargo at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to have received the ‘Innovative Collaborations and Partnerships’ award. Since 2012, we have been dedicated to evolving our operational capabilities to better serve our customers and create free flows of trade. Through strengthening our partnerships and investing in the latest technologies, we will continue to grow our cargo operational reach and reaffirm Dubai’s position as a leading international aviation hub.” Since the beginning of 2024, flydubai Cargo has been actively expanding and enhancing its capabilities through key partnerships, including its collaboration with Accelya, aimed at streamlining operations and boosting efficiency. Founded in 2012, flydubai Cargo operates on a global scale, serving over 150 destinations across 53 countries. Known for its reliability and high-frequency services, the division offers unparalleled convenience for businesses worldwide. One of its standout features is the ability to transfer shipments between flydubai Cargo flights in as little as one hour upon arrival in Dubai, ensuring swift and seamless logistics for time-sensitive deliveries. With its continuous investment in partnerships and operational improvements, flydubai Cargo is reinforcing its position as a vital player in global air cargo, offering fast, efficient, and reliable services that businesses can depend on.
Missing trees, misleading ornaments, mini inflatables: Holiday decor scams leave shoppers less jollyAndrew Luck returns to Stanford as the GM of the football program
Thousands attend funeral of Afghan ministerIf you have an avid cook or food lover in your life, your gifting opportunities these days are vast and deep. There are authentic ingredients and creative concoctions in brick-and-mortar shops and online. The global pantry beckons. Plus, in many cases, the packaging is gorgeous! Many of these affordable luxuries can be tucked into a stocking, but they also make great presents for a co-worker, mail carrier, nephew or teacher. As a slightly compulsive and obsessive gift giver, matching the right edible treat to the recipient is my jam (another great gifting option!). All of these items cost under $50, but make a big splash. Let’s go! Two Chinese American friends took the flavors of their favorite childhood treats and transformed them into sweet spreads, ready to be slathered on toast, apples or just eaten with a spoon. Rooted Fare sells spreads like Crunchy Black Sesame Butter (inspired by tang yuan, a Lunar New Year dessert ), Pineapple Cake Cashew Butter, and Chinese Almond Cookie Butter. $15 per jar. Il Colle del Gusto makes some sweet and unusual nut-based spreads with an Italian twist: Coarse Hazelnut and Cocoa, Crunchy Peanut, and Sicilian Pistachio, all blended with olive oil. Swirl them into ice cream, slather them onto toast. Each jar under $10. Related: Sesame lovers will be delighted with either an assortment of tahini products such as Chocolate Sesame Sauce, or a tub of flaky, melt-in-your-mouth halva in flavors like cardamom and pistachio from Seed + Mill . Some great gift sets available for under $50. Chile crunch condiments have taken the cooking world by storm, and there are some highly giftable options. Fly By Jing makes a large assortment of Asian-inspired chile crunches, and they have some attractively packaged gift sets for the holidays . The mini sampler set is around $20. The aptly named Chile Crunch sells several varieties of their crunchy condiment, including hot, chipotle, mild and original, all for about $13 per jar. Somos' Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Crisps explode with texture thanks to a whole lot of nuts and seeds. Scoop these spicy-crunchy sauces over everything from avocado toast to tacos — and try the sweeter one on ice cream! The gift set of two comes with a cute spoon for $35. Chef Patricia Quintana has created a line of salsas, sauces, dressings and condiments that preserves the heritage of traditional Mexican cooking. Treat someone to a jar of Achiote sauce or Pineapple Habanero Salsa (and hope you get invited over for the ensuing meal). $15 to $20 per jar. Ever heard of Secret Aardvark sauces ? You might be tempted to spread the word. This Caribbean/Tex-Mex line of condiments has a big following for what they call their “flavor that kicks you in the mouth.” There are many choices, including Drunken Jerk Jamaican Marinade, and Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce. $10 each, with combo packs starting at $20. Tinned fish is also having a blockbuster culinary moment (and in many cases the packaging is super fun). Fishwife cans ethically sourced fish, like salmon, anchovies and trout, from around the world, with some attractive gift boxes under $50. La Narval focuses on combinations of fish and sauce, such as their mussels in Spanish sauce. Each tin is about $10. The Drinks Bakery creates savory snacks with flavor profiles meant to match up perfectly with your favorite libations. Munch on a Lancashire Cheese and Spring Onion biscuit with a hoppy IPA or a sauvignon blanc. Serve the Parmesan, Toasted Pine Nut and Basil biscuits with a whiskey highball or champagne. Choose from small or larger boxes. I can’t think of a food gift I’m happier to see than a high-quality bottle of oil or vinegar, two of the most-used ingredients in my kitchen. Bona Furtuna's selection of Sicilian olive oils is fresh and fragrant, and their aged balsamic vinegars are thick, sweet and rich. The Invecchiato 7-Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, for instance, sells for $44.95; Forte Extra Virgin Olive Oil from $10.95 to $39.95. Metafora olive oil comes in a beautiful bottle and is a nice introduction to Portuguese olive oil. $40. Alvear makes lovely Andalusian sherry vinegars. For the salad makers and Spanish chefs in your life, think about gifting one each of the bottles, a sweet and a dry , about $20 apop. Tartuflanghe makes all sorts of luxury ingredients infused with white and black truffles. Elevate your cooking game with truffle-infused butters with flavors like porcini or anchovy (about $10 each). Pick up a box of decadent, truffle-flavored Tartufissima 19 for $32. Or how about a little jar of black truffle pearls, which look like caviar, and are the most elegant way to finish off a risotto or a deviled egg ($40)? ’Tis the season for sweet things, but there's no need to settle for the same old bonbons. Sanders is known for decadent, chocolate-covered caramels, and this holiday season they have some limited-edition flavors. Do you know someone who might like a bag of bourbon, maple or peppermint dark-chocolate sea-salt caramels? I do! $10. Perhaps you’ve seen the elegant Lady M layered crepe cakes? Well this holiday, try their more portable and giftable Holiday Crepe Biscuit Collection . Eight wedge-shaped boxes contain a delicate crepe biscuit with fillings such as vanilla, chocolate hazelnut and green tea. $28. André’s Confiserie Suisse makes handmade chocolate with deep rich flavor, a result of generations of Swiss chocolate-making expertise. Some unusual classics include the Nussbergerli Sticks, a mix of caramel, candied orange peel and nuts, covered in either dark or milk chocolate, as well as a lovely assortment of chocolate-covered almonds. Also check out the festive, almond-stuffed chocolate pinecones, a cute edible ornament. Offerings start at $7. There are chocolate bars and then there are chocolate bars. At Chocopologie , it's hard to decide among the creative confections. Burnt Caramel Hawaiian Sea Salt? A S'Mores Bar that includes organic graham crackers and vegan marshmallows? At $10 each, you might need to buy a few. The bakers you know will love playing around with the Salted Caramel Crumbles from Kitty Keller. These toffee-like crumbles are made from the butter and salted caramel of Brittany, France, and can be used to finish all kinds of sweet treats with a crunchy little panache. $12. I could go on (quite clearly), but suffice it to say that a little special treat can have a big impact. Those stockings aren’t going to stuff themselves! For more AP gift guides and holiday coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/gift-guide and https://apnews.com/hub/holidays . This story was first published on Nov. 20, 2024. It was updated on Dec. 12, 2024 to correct the spelling of Bona Furtuna.
As artificial intelligence is sprinting forward, many argue that the public policy to regulate the technology is falling behind. And with the federal government playing catch-up, states are taking small steps to fill that vacuum, but several sectors, including attorneys general, argue that state-level efforts offer an inadequate, patchwork of rules when what's really needed, they argue, is a uniform standard on the national and international stage. Others cautioned against rushing to regulate without careful analysis of a proposed policy's ramifications for businesses, consumers and companies' freedom to innovate. Like the internet, U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen said the genie cannot be put back in the bottle. Today, AI can be used in every industry in some form or another. Used right, advocates say, its potential is vast — the technology can make jobs faster, smarter, more efficient. When used for nefarious purposes, it can make scamming, defrauding or ruining people's reputations faster and easier. On the international stage, Pettersen said the race to set AI policy is playing out between the United States and China, and she's worried about the latter gaining the upper hand. Recently elected to her second term in Colorado’s 7th District, Pettersen said public policy to regulate AI must take center stage next year, when a new Republican Congress takes over. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat in Colorado’s 6th District, looks to start making progress by year’s end. “Great legislation starts with its first hearing, and I feel a great sense of urgency,” Hickenlooper said during a Nov. 19 Senate hearing focused on protecting consumers from AI deepfakes. A “deepfake” refers to AI-generated images or videos that look real, a phenomenon further popularized by a viral Tiktok of a deepfake of “Tom Cruise” goofing around. With Donald Trump winning the presidency and Republicans securing the majority in both chambers of the U.S. Congress, Pettersen said she is confident regulating AI will remain a priority, given both House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries came together to create the AI Working Group in 2024. Pettersen was appointed to the bipartisan group, which is exploring how AI impacts financial services and housing industries. While there is bipartisan interest in developing AI regulations, Pettersen said a “dysfunctional Congress” creates challenges, especially in an election year, in which the working group’s progress was stalled to some degree. “I really worry about areas like this where we need to be leading the way globally and making sure that China is not the one doing that,” Pettersen said. “I don’t want a future where China’s leading on AI. It needs to be the United States and we have to come together in Congress to bring comprehensive pragmatic, bipartisan solutions. It cannot matter (which party) has the majority. This needs to continue to be a bipartisan effort.” Pettersen said it is vital that the U.S. is setting global standards that other countries will follow, noting that such safeguards are “critical for our national security and for consumers.” When asked if China is already leading the U.S. in setting global policy, Pettersen said no, but admitted the race is on. “China is making significant investments,” she said. “We can’t get behind them, and this is really going to define, you know, what the next 100 years looks like for global leadership, and we need to make sure that it’s people here in the United States that are benefitting not only from these technologies in their lives, but also the financial benefit of innovating and leading here in the U.S.A." Already, China is advocating that the United Nations take the leading role on global governance of AI , a move that could sideline the U.S. While both China and the U.S. agree that AI poses risks, China has built extensive surveillance systems, which carry AI components, that tracks its citizens through chat apps and mobile phones. The U.S. has criticized China's approach. Pettersen said the risk to public interest continues to grow “exponentially” as companies develop AI technology at record pace. Comparing it to when the internet first came online, Pettersen said the U.S. must navigate the guardrails. The illustration shows how states are taking action to regulate artificial intelligence. Pettersen said besides focusing on the global aspect, setting national standards is needed as a preemptive guide for states to follow. “The debate will continue, but right now, what we’re seeing is that without federal action, we’re seeing patchwork approaches across states,” the congresswoman said. “It makes it incredibly difficult, I think, for AI industries and how they’re navigating some of those regulations. So, I think a national standard will help give states those protections and guidance.” Hickenlooper said states are moving forward and conceded it is a patchwork approach. He said some states are focusing on laws that protect election integrity, others on non-consensual intimate imagery, while some have done nothing at all. In Colorado, Attorney General Phil Weiser told Colorado Politics he is taking AI regulation seriously while awaiting federal guidelines, calling state policy "second best." "The first best world is one where we have federal leadership and federal public policy frameworks in the areas of AI,” Weiser said. “If we can’t live in the first best world, the second-best world for us to live in is a world where states are providing that leadership." He added: "And I do prefer state leadership in technology to no leadership in technology policy. And, if you will, the third best world, or maybe you say the worst world, is there is no leadership at all, and technology companies have no guardrails when it comes to protecting consumer privacy or how they manage data or how they use artificial intelligence.” The best way to build trust and operate in a way that consumers can believe in requires the federal government to provide policy leadership, Weiser said. In 2024, the Colorado legislature passed a first-of-its-kind bill that sponsors said would protect consumers from "bias" in artificial intelligence development. Several organizations representing the technology industry had urged Polis to veto the bill, arguing it would harm small businesses developing artificial intelligence technology. At its core, Senate Bill 205 establishes regulations governing the development and use of artificial intelligence in Colorado and focuses on combatting "algorithmic discrimination." It defines "algorithmic discrimination" to mean any condition in which AI increases the risk of "unlawful differential treatment" that then "disfavors" an individual or group of people on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, race, religion, veteran status, English proficiency and other classes protected by state laws. In May, Gov. Jared Polis reluctantly signed the measure into law, which is slated to go into effect in February 2026. In the meantime, Weiser’s office is tasked with implementing the law by creating audit policies and identifying high-risk AI practices. While Polis signed the law, he and Weiser vowed to revise it before it actually takes effect. In a statement to Colorado Politics, the governor’s office said, “Governor Polis believes this legislation was the beginning of a conversation around AI and looks forward to continuing to discuss this issue with legislators and stakeholders and ensure the final product supports innovation before the 2026 implementation date. Governor Polis is a former tech entrepreneur and supports technological advancements like AI that can support consumers, reduce bias, and help drive Colorado’s economy.” In June, Weiser, Polis, and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, the bill's sponsor, signed a letter promising several steps before implementing the law in 2026. This includes creating a task force to revise the new law in the upcoming 2025 session to minimize unintended consequences. The goal, they said, is to “provide for a balanced regulatory scheme that prevents discrimination while supporting innovation in technology.” The letter also identified the areas the task force will tackle, including the following: • Refining the definition of artificial intelligence systems to the most high-risk systems • Focusing on the developers of these high-risk systems, rather than on small companies that are deploying the technology • Shifting from a proactive disclosure regime to traditional enforcement • Making clear that consumer right of appeal refers to the ability for consumers to appeal to the attorney general. • Considering other measures the state can take to become the most welcoming environment for technological innovation Alvin McBorrough, founder and managing partner of OGx, a Denver consulting firm that focuses on technology and analytics, applauded Colorado lawmakers for approving Senate Bill 205 . “The ultimate goal is to provide protection for the well-being of the citizens, public interest, and trust,” McBorrough said. “It’s a pretty comprehensive role that has been developed to make sure that developers and deployers of AI technology systems have some level of control around it.” As a practitioner and advisor in the AI industry, McBorrough said he reviewed the new law and asked himself if it’s better to have some form of regulation right now that can be tweaked — instead of none at all. “I was a proponent leaning towards going forward and coming up with some kind of framework and put that in place,” he said. “You can always come back and approve upon it, but if there is nothing, there is a free for all, and that is what is happening right now.” McBorrough said one of the biggest drawbacks in AI is the development of "algorithmic" biases, which can have negative impacts in housing, healthcare and education. “We’ve never seen one technology so profound and so promising,” McBorrough said. “I think at the end of the day, just from a human perspective, I will say this is going to be another area that will profoundly impact all of us — the way we learn, the way we play, and the way we continue to grow. We have to make sure that whatever we are developing is 100% on the up and up.” On the other hand, some 200 business leaders, including some of Colorado's most prominent executives, earlier wrote the governor about their "collective concern" regarding the new law. Also earlier, Eli Wood, the founder of software company Black Flag Design, expressed worries the legislation would inadvertently disadvantage small startups, such as his company, that heavily depend on open-source AI systems. Wood said the bill could penalize small businesses for "algorithmic" bias identified in their system, even if the bias originated from the open-source system rather than the one developed by the small business itself. Alvin McBorrough, founder and managing partner of OGx, a Denver consulting firm that focuses on technology and analytics, speaks at a recent AI Tomorrow Workshop in Boulder. In chairing a Nov. 19 Senate hearing, Hickenlooper heard testimony about the dangers the public faces if or when AI technology falls into the wrong hands. Hickenlooper is pushing for the passage of several AI-related bills to protect minors and veterans from AI misuse. During the hearing, Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California Berkeley School of Information, said lawmakers considering a five- or 10-year plan need to realize that without regulations, “everything is going to get worse.” Farid pointed out that ChatGPT went from zero to one billion users in a year. According to Bloomberg, generative AI is slated to become a $1.3 trillion industry by 2032. In 2022, the AI industry was worth $40 billion. “Five years is an eternity in this space,” Farid said. “We need to be thinking tomorrow and next year. Here is what we know — hundreds of billions of dollars are being poured into predictive AI and generative AI. The technology is going to get better, it’s going to get cheaper, and it's going to become more ubiquitous. That means the bad guys are going to continue to weaponize it unless we figure out how to make that unbearable for them.” By unbearable, Farid said the answer is for lawmakers to hold big tech companies accountable as developers of a technology that, in the hands of "deployers," can be weaponized for scams and other bad behavior. Weaponizing AI includes a variety of scams that are starting to cost the general public money, time and dignity. Farid said a restaurant or retailer can tell AI to produce 20 positive reviews to post online. Fake videos and images can ruin someone’s reputation, while senior citizens and veterans can be scammed out of money because the technology is so realistic, he said. Dorota Mani testified that her daughter became a victim of "deepfake" pornography distribution. Mani testified that her daughter’s high school classmate created "deepfakes" — nude images of her that were circulated around school. Because the school did not have any AI policies — and the state and federal government have no laws against the production of fake nude images — the student who produced them faced very little to no consequence. “I want to start with saying that our situation is really not unique,” Mani said. “It has been happening and it is happening right now. Last year, when we found out, or we were informed by the school, what has happened to us, the first thing we did, obviously, was we called a lawyer in the school sector. We were informed that nothing can be truly done because there are no school policies and no legislation, and the lawyers repeat exactly the same thing." She added: "So, when my daughter heard from the administration that, you know, she should be wearing a victim's badge and just go for counseling, she came home, and she told me, ‘I want to bring laws to my school so that way my sister, my younger sister, will have a safer digital future’.” In November, explicit images of nearly 50 female students created controversy inside a Pennsylvania school district. According to reports , the explicit photos were created and posted by a ninth-grade male student and not removed or reported to police for months. Mani said this is but another case proving schools are unprepared to battle "deepfake" posts, and why guidance from the federal government is imperative. Mani applauded current efforts to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act . Co-sponsored by Hickenlooper, the TAKE IT DOWN Act seeks to protect minors from AI scams. The measure passed the Senate on Dec. 3. If signed into law, the measure will criminalize the publication, without the subject's consent, of intimate imagery on social media and other online sites. The bill requires social media companies to develop procedures to remove content upon notification from a victim. For instance, once a platform like Facebook is informed of a deepfake video or image, the company would have 48 hours to take it down. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act allows the victims to take control over their own image, and I think that is so important,” Mani said. “It gives the freedom to anybody affected to just move on with their life, which sometimes that's all they want.” According to a 2019 Sensity report, these types of deepfake pornography, created without the consent or knowledge of the subjects, accounts for 96% of the total deepfake videos posted online. Justin Brookman, the director of technology policy for Consumer Reports said recent research suggests that generative AI can be used to scale “spear phishing,” which is the personalization of phishing messages based on personal data to make them more convincing. With only a few seconds of a person’s voice and image easily found on social media, Brookman and fellow panelists agreed that believable "deepfakes" are being created, costing consumers billions in losses each year. The cost of creating "deepfakes" is getting cheaper with technology. Brookman estimated that what once cost spear phishing creators $4.60 per message is now only 12 cents. Brookman said the federal government can be more effective by beefing up the staffing at the Federal Trade Commission, even if no laws or new regulations are passed. In his report to the Senate committee, Brookman said scams and fraud are already illegal under a variety of federal and state civil criminal laws. However, the FTC only has 1,292 full-time employees to pursue its competition and consumer protection missions. The number of FTC staff has plateaued for about 14 years, Brookman said, noting that in 1979, the agency had 1,746 employees. “The FTC is expected to hold giant sophisticated tech giants accountable for their transgressions, but they are severely hamstrung by unjustifiable resource constraints,” Brookman said. The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The holidays bring big expectations for parents. Whether aiming to simply delight your child or really wow them, a flashy tech product can seem like the fastest way to make their holiday dreams come true. But experts say it's worth reflecting on how that technology might upend your home life. A new gaming console can lead to arguments over time limits. Your preschooler may accidentally use their new tablet to play inappropriate games. That virtual reality headset your teenager begged for may trump in-person hangouts with friends. Dr. Jenny Radesky, a developmental pediatrician who authored the American Academy of Pediatrics screen time guidelines for children ages zero to five, says there are thoughtful strategies for avoiding or managing these conflicts. (The AAP has its own set of related tips for parents.) She recommends critically evaluating the tech you plan to gift, considering any alternatives as necessary, and then preparing to talk to your child about how they'll use it. "It's good to have fun with your kids and enjoy their happiness," Radesky says. "But there's also really big differences in the design of different technologies that make them more of a headache for parents..." And no one wants a headache after weeks of planning and prepping for holiday gift-giving. Whether you've already purchased a tech device for your child, or plan to do so, here are five questions to ask yourself before you gift it: Is the technology well-known? Radesky says that buying your child a gaming console with years of user experience behind it is a different situation than purchasing a new AI-robot companion for your child (yes, such a thing exists). With a Nintendo Switch or Sony PlayStation, you can scour expert reviews for pros and cons, talk to parents who own the console, and read related media coverage about their safety practices and parental controls. The same won't be true of new and emerging products; you'll have less information to make an informed decision, compared to other established tech products. That said, trust your gut if you research a product that's been on the market for years and develop concerns that it's not right for you or your family. Is it really educational? Radesky says that children's tech toys and devices often claim, without evidence, that they're educational. The appealing marketing strategy can deceive parents into purchasing disappointing products. There are devices and apps with simplistic designs and distracting ads, for example. And some products say they'll help your child with a fundamental skill, like reading, but actually have a narrow scope, such as practicing the alphabet. Radesky recommends that parents think about whether a so-called educational product is indeed better than a child's own imaginative play, which can help them develop critical skills. "Open-ended and pretend play is a really important process for kids to develop mental flexibility, their attention span, and their ability to do storytelling in their heads," Radesky says. She also notes that educational claims aren't vetted by a regulatory body in the U.S., nor are the companies that make them required to provide proof substantiating those claims. Are there any safety or privacy concerns? Each tech device has its own safety and privacy considerations, which creates a lot of work for parents. A smartphone, for example, can give marketers, predators, and bullies a direct line to your child. A new video game, popular amongst your child's friends, might feature unexpectedly mature violent or sexual content. To get a better handle on these issues, Radesky suggests that parents research what parental controls are available for devices and subscriptions. Parents can also consult Common Sense Media's wide-ranging reviews of games and apps. (Radesky has received research funding from Common Sense Media in the past.) Mozilla's *Privacy Not Included guide offers reviews based on whether a product meets the company's minimum security standards. The guide includes a number of children's toys and games, as well as wearables and entertainment products, like Amazon and Apple tablets. Once you better understand the potential safety and privacy tradeoffs, you can either decide against buying the product or choose to address them through parental controls or other protective settings. Can you swap the tech out for something else? Sometimes parents buy a tech device in an effort to solve one problem, like offering entertainment on long car rides, but the purchase inadvertently creates more conflict. Radesky says parents should first consider how the tech will be used, and whether there's a more effective alternative. A parent interested in gifting a tablet or phone so their child can listen to music might instead look into smart or screen-free speakers, for example. While less well-known than an Amazon Echo , the Yoto , Toniebox , and Mighty offer different types of screen-free access to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Privacy issues with these alternatives may still be a deal-breaker for some parents, but Radesky says they can also facilitate skill-building and social interactions in ways that a tablet can't. Without a screen to focus on, children have to train their attention on whatever is playing on the device. Additionally, smart or screen-free speakers mean family dance parties or conversations about a podcast are much more likely to happen than if a child is staring at a phone or tablet. What conversation do you need to have with your child? Radesky advises against letting your child use their gift without first talking to them about boundaries. You needn't have that conversation as they tear off the wrapping paper, but it's wise to chat with them before they start playing with the gift. With their input, the discussion should focus on guardrails, such as parental controls and screen time limits. If there's an onboarding or setup process, Radesky recommends that parents do it alongside their child. That gives parents an opportunity to talk about any safety concerns while normalizing communication about technology and devices. Depending on the product, you may also need to download a companion app or create your own account in order to connect to and monitor your child's account. Importantly, parents should ensure that their child's age is accurately entered during setup, as it can affect default safety settings, such as the ability to message with other users or what kind of personal data is collected. If you don't want to be a buzzkill, Radesky says you can let your child explore and play with their gift over the holidays with few or no time limits, then rein that use in before school starts. Either way, parents should have low expectations of their child's ability to stop playing over the holiday break, and Radesky recommends not becoming anxious about that reality. Approach it with curiosity when your child spends several hours playing a new video game by simply asking, "How did that feel?" And if reflecting on your plans to gift tech these holidays now has you doubting the impulse purchase of a deeply discounted product, that's OK. Radesky says you don't have to commit to the gift. "You really want to go in with a sense of, 'I want to use this intentionally so that it doesn't feel like we're battling all the time," she says.Joe Douglas is gone. Robert Saleh already was fired. Aaron Rodgers could be next to leave the New York Jets. Douglas lost his job as the general manager on Tuesday, six weeks after the head coach was replaced following a 2-3 start. The Jets have gone 1-5 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich so owner Woody Johnson sent Douglas packing. Rodgers has played more like a 40-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles tendon injury than a four-time NFL MVP. He's expressed a desire to play another season. The big question is whether the Jets will want him back. Maybe they'll decide to take one more shot at a playoff run with Rodgers while having him mentor a rookie quarterback. Or, they could start fresh. There are significant contract ramifications either way. Rodgers is slated to make a non-guaranteed $37.5 million in 2025 with a dead cap hit of $49 million as his salary cap total goes from $17.1 million to $23.5 million. The Jets could spread the dead money over two years by releasing Rodgers with the use of post-June 1 designation. He has a no-trade clause in his contract so they would need his permission to make a deal. If Rodgers doesn't retire and New York's new regime wants a clean slate, here are potential destinations for the future first-ballot Hall of Famer: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: This could only happen if Brock Purdy's shoulder injury is more significant than is known. Rodgers is a native of northern California and grew up a Niners fan. Returning home to help San Francisco win its sixth Super Bowl has to be attractive. Playing for coach Kyle Shanahan surrounded by playmakers Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle would be a quarterback's dream. Again, Purdy is the team's present and future. And, he's resilient. Purdy rebounded from elbow surgery following his rookie season to start Week 1 last year and ended up finishing fourth in MVP voting, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Purdy also is due for a contract extension and a major raise so the salary cap makes this even more of a longshot. But never say never in the NFL. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Sam Darnold has been more than a stopgap, helping the Vikings (8-2) to an impressive start. J.J. McCarthy is the future, however, and Darnold will be a free agent after the season. If the Vikings fall short of a Super Bowl and Rodgers shows over the final six weeks that he can play championship football, this could be a fit. The Vikings could let McCarthy sit and learn for another year, especially coming off a knee injury that required a second surgery earlier this month. NEW YORK GIANTS: Rodgers wouldn't have to move. The Giants will need a quarterback after benching Daniel Jones and eventually releasing him. They could draft a quarterback in the first round and have him learn behind Rodgers for a season. That'll depend on which pick New York ends up with because it's a thin draft class. Unlike the Jets, the Giants (2-8) haven't made any coaching or GM changes yet. If it's status quo with GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll, one year with Rodgers isn't unrealistic. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: They also need a quarterback. Brock Bowers could set an NFL record for most catches by a tight end if he had Rodgers next season. The Raiders (2-8) are aiming for a high pick to get a shot at a quarterback of their choice. New minority owner Tom Brady believes rookie quarterbacks need time to develop and learn. The seven-time Super Bowl champion would have to be in favor of having Rodgers start and tutor a youngster. TENNESSEE TITANS: If Will Levis doesn't prove over the final seven games that he can be a No. 1 quarterback, the Titans (2-8) will be in the QB market and likely have a high draft pick. It's another scenario where Rodgers would fit as a one-year bridge. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Japan's popular Princess Aiko turns 23 with her future as a royal in doubtA new Apple TV and HomePod mini are coming in 2025. At least, that’s what reports. According to the journalist, Apple is prepping for the release of new HomePod mini and Apple TV devices in 2025. While he doesn’t say if Apple plans to upgrade their processors or if they’re going to have a breakthrough new technology, he focuses the story on a new custom-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. Refereed to as “Proxima,” this chip will be available in upcoming Apple TV, HomePod mini, and iPhone 17 models in 2025; iPad and Macs will get it in 2026. He says the custom-designed chip will support Wi-Fi 6E, and it will help “synchronize data more quickly.” This change could help Apple create thinner devices and new wearable technology, as ultimately the company wants to integrate the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with a cellular modem and the core processor on its devices. This report comes a few days after the journalist suggested Apple will with a new iPhone SE 4. Sign up for the most interesting tech & entertainment news out there. By signing up, I agree to the and have reviewed the Gurman expects this first-generation 5G modem to offer Sub-6 5G technology and lower data speeds, which shouldn’t be noticeable in daily usage. Later next year, a mid-tier iPhone, most likely the rumored , is also expected to feature this chip. An entry-level iPad model could feature this chip in the near future as well. He also revealed that Apple is already working on a second-generation 5G modem that could power the future iPhone 18 models. By 2026, this chip would finally add mmWave support, download speeds of 6 gigabits per second, six-carrier aggregation when using Sub-6 5G, and eight-carrier aggregation when using mmWave. When the iPhone reaches its 20-year anniversary in 2027, the company hopes it can top Qualcomm with its modem’s performance and AI features. Apple is also aiming to build support for next-generation satellite networks and eventually merge its 5G modem with its main processor, creating the ultimate singular mobile component. will let you know once we learn more about new Apple TV and HomePod mini devices; they haven’t been updated in a few years now, and we now have a better idea when Cupertino is finally updating them.U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume said Friday that he won’t attend President-elect Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration because it falls on the holiday marking Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
Top pollster warns Keir Starmer will struggle to convince public with his ‘plan for change’The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) — John Buggs III’s 15 points helped East Tennessee State defeat Austin Peay 79-57 on Saturday night. Buggs shot 4 for 7 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Buccaneers (6-2). Jaden Seymour scored 13 points and added 11 rebounds. Quimari Peterson had 13 points and went 6 of 11 from the field. The Governors (4-4) were led in scoring by LJ Thomas, who finished with 15 points. Austin Peay also got 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals from Tate McCubbin. Tekao Carpenter also had eight points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass